30 people and 1 dog rescued after boat capsizes off Miami

Oct 13th, 2013 · Comments Off on 30 people and 1 dog rescued after boat capsizes off Miami

MIAMI — Thirty people and one dog have been rescued from the water by multiple first response agencies and good Samaritans after a 45-foot catamaran capsized near the Miami Sea Aquarium Sunday evening.

There are no reports of any deaths or serious injuries at this time.

Agencies responding to the scene included:

Coast Guard Station Miami Beach

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Coast Guard Air Station Miami

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Miami Fire Department

Miami Beach Police Department

Miami Dade Fire Rescue

Sea Tow Miami

Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders received a report of the capsized vessel and numerous people in the water from a good Samaritan at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Watchstanders diverted 45-foot and 33-foot response boatcrews and multiple marine units from partner agencies in the area to the scene.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami was also launched to assist in the search.

“The interagency cooperation between the responding agencies and good Samaritans in the area was incredible and allowed us to quickly rescue 30 people from the water in a matter of minutes,” said Lt. Mike Cortese, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach.

The catamaran is partially submerged 6-8 feet of water and is partially exposed. Mariners in the area are urged to exercise caution.